Parts for your 2009 Nissan Serena-Centre bearing

2009 Nissan Serena centre-bearing — is it even a thing?

Short answer: on most 2009 Nissan Serena vans, a centre-bearing isn’t fitted or needed. The common 2WD Serena (C25 series) is a transverse front-wheel-drive layout with no propeller shaft running down the middle of the vehicle, so there’s nothing to support with a centre-bearing. This is confirmed in the Nissan Serena C25 Workshop/Service Manual (Driveline/Propeller Shaft sections) which only details a centre support bearing for 4WD models, and by the Nissan FAST electronic parts catalogue, where the centre support bearing is listed under the propeller shaft assembly for C25 4WD variants only.

Why it’s not used on the usual 2WD Serena? The front transaxle drives the front wheels via short left and right CV shafts, so the driveline doesn’t need a long, two-piece prop shaft to the rear. A centre-bearing is a support for that sort of shaft on rear- or all-wheel-drive vehicles. No long shaft means no centre-bearing.

Owners sometimes go hunting for a “centre-bearing” when they feel a rumble or vibration, but on a 2WD Serena the culprit is more likely one of these:

• Front CV joints or inner tripod joints developing play
• Front wheel bearings humming at speed
• Tyre wear or out-of-balance wheels
• Engine or transmission mounts perished and letting the drivetrain move about

There is one exception: if the van is a 4WD C25 (a Japan-import is common in NZ), it does have a propeller shaft to the rear differential, typically in two pieces with a centre support bearing. Again, that’s spelled out in the C25 Service Manual’s Propeller Shaft section and reflected in the Nissan FAST parts breakdown for 4WD. If yours is 4WD, the centre-bearing is relevant, if it’s 2WD, it’s not fitted and not serviceable because it simply doesn’t exist on that model.

Not sure which you’ve got? Have a quick look underneath: a rear diff and a long shaft running to it means 4WD, no diff and no shaft means 2WD. Your model plate/build data or the owner’s manual can also confirm the drivetrain.

FAQs

Does a 2009 Nissan Serena have a centre-bearing?
Most 2WD C25 Serenas do not have a centre-bearing because there’s no propeller shaft. Only 4WD variants use a two-piece prop shaft with a centre support bearing, as shown in the Nissan Serena C25 Service Manual (Propeller Shaft section) and Nissan FAST parts listings for 4WD.

What’s causing vibration if my 2WD Serena doesn’t have a centre-bearing?
Common causes are worn CV joints, front wheel bearings, uneven or cupped tyres, or tired engine/trans mounts. A proper inspection of the front driveline and wheels usually pinpoints it quicker than chasing a non-existent centre-bearing.

How do I tell if my Serena is 4WD (and has a centre-bearing)?
Look underneath for a rear differential and a prop shaft down the centre—if they’re there, it’s 4WD and it will use a centre-bearing. You can also check the model code/build plate or the owner’s manual for 4WD notation.